WebQuest Introduction Page
At What Price Greatness?
Obviously greatness is a subjective term. Part of your assignment will be to defend your own definition of greatness. The backgrounds of the 20th century presidents is quite varied. Some were born into great riches, others were born in poverty. Some succeeded beyond their wildest dreams, others failed miserably before reaching the office. Each of you brings your own perception of greatness to the debate, but you must be prepared to defend it.
Presidential Deeds
Consider some of the problems confronting the presidents of the 20th century
- The change in the demographics of the nation from a rural to urban to suburban society.
- The rebirth of European and Asian imperial powers and subsequent world wars.
- An unprecedented collapse of the world economy resulting in unemployment and the starvation of millions.
- The advent of the atomic age including the development of atomic power and atomic weapons.
- The rise and subsequent fall of the Soviet Union.
These are real issues that confronted our nation, and therefore our presidents, in the 20th century. These were defining moments in their lives and ours. As you review the tasks in the next section and the information presented in the Process section, Ask yourself what you would have done. How have their actions and reactions to these and other crisis made them great?
Ready to start? Move to the Task Page.
